FOR-61: Scientific Classification of Trees: An Introduction for Wood Workers Scientific Classification of Trees: An Introduction for Wood Workers James E. Reeb, Extension Specialist, Department of Forestry Introduction Those who work with wood should be able to distinguish between different woods and be familiar with features that make different kinds of wood react differently to cutting, surfacing, finishing, etc. An obvious first step in accomplishing these tasks is to be able to properly identify and name an unknown wood. It is helpful in identifying wood to know that trees, as well as other living organisms, are assigned to groups based on similar physical characteristics. This publication will introduce the reader to the science of taxonomy, that is, the practice of classifying and assigning living things to groups based on their similarities in anatomical structures. Scientists use scientific names to signify into what groups living things belong. The users of wood should be familiar with the fact that common names can often be misleading and that the wood of some trees with similar common names may actually be quite different in their structures and properties. Scientific names eliminate the confusion that can occur when using common names. Common Names Often Misleading Most probably, each kind of tree in the United States has more than one common name. When G. B.

Sudworth, a United States Forest Service employee, published a checklist of trees in 1927, he included about 1,000 trees; however, the list also included almost 9,000 common names as local describers of these trees. For most practical purposes, common names can be used with no problem. However, in some cases, common names can be confusing or misleading. One kind of tree may be referred to by several different common names throughout its natural growing range. A single name may refer to more than one kind of tree. For example, the term �scrub oak� is often used when speaking about post oak, blackjack oak, and other �scrubby looking� oaks found in the southwestern United States. The tree we commonly call the yellow poplar is not a true poplar, such as cottonwood and aspen, but is instead a member of the magnolia family, Magnoliaceae. Eastern redcedar is actually a juniper and not a true cedar. Common names may describe where the tree grows, such as swamp white oak and river birch, or how the tree looks, such as weeping willow and quaking aspen.

Other common names describe the use of the tree, such as sugar maple and canoe birch. Another way to assign a common name to trees is to incorporate the discoverer�s name in the tree name, such as Nuttal oak and Douglas-fir. Classification and Naming of Trees Organisms are assigned scientific names because of the confusion of using common names and because of the many different languages spoken throughout the world. Scientists have settled primarily on Latin for scientific names, although they sometimes use Greek or other languages. The important thing is that, regardless of the language the scientist uses for communication, the scientific names chosen for all classified living organisms are the same worldwide. Classifying and assigning scientific names also include those organisms that once lived, such as the dinosaurs. You may wish to refer to Figure 1 for the following explanation of the classification of trees. The highest taxonomic division of living things is the kingdom. All living organisms are placed in either the plant kingdom or the animal kingdom. Since this publication is about the classification of trees, only the taxonomy of the plant kingdom, and specifically trees, will be discussed. However, the taxonomic classification of other plants, and that of animals, is very similar. The plant kingdom is further classified into divisions.

Trees are included in the division Spermatophyta. Spermatophytes include all plants that have seeds. Divisions are further broken down into subdivisions. Spermatophytes are divided into two subdivisions, Angiospermae (encased seeds) and Gymnospermae (naked seeds). Trees are included in both of these subdivisions. Trees often referred to as broad-leaved hardwood trees are included in the subdivision Angiospermae. Angiosperms have a specialized organ of reproduction, the flower. The term angiosperm refers to the presence of an ovary that encloses the ovules or seeds. The ovary is the fruit found on the tree. Examples of fruit found on hardwood trees are the samara (wings) of the maples and ashes, the acorn of the oaks, the nut of the hickories, the pome of the apples, the drupe of the cherries, and the berry of the persimmon tree. Angiosperms are further divided into two classes, Monocotyledoneae and Dicotyledoneae. Monocots have one initial seed leaf and dicots have two.

There are no commercially important monocot trees in the United States. Three groups of monocots that attain large size and produce woody stems are bamboo, palm, and rattan. Furniture, fishing rods, and other small items made from these woods are often imported into the United States. Although they produce woody stems, the anatomy of monocots is quite different from that of dicots. Trees that produce hardwood lumber belong in the class Dicotyledoneae. Dicot trees in the United States are divided into twenty-five families. All the important hardwood species found in the United States are represented within these families. Examples are Salicaceae, the willows and poplars, and Fagaceae, the beech family that includes the oaks, American chestnut, chinkapin, and others. In Figure 1, black walnut is shown to be included in the family Juglandaceae. The subdivision Gymnospermae includes all the trees that we commonly call softwoods. Softwoods fall within four families of the order Coniferales, the conifers.

The four families are Cupressaceae, cedars, junipers, and cypress; Taxaceae, yews; Taxodiaceae, redwood and baldcypress; and Pinaceae, pines, firs, hemlocks, spruces, and larches. The term conifer refers to the fruit that in some (but not all) conifers is a cone. Genus and Species Genus is a subgroup of organisms that have many common characteristics. Genus can be thought of as a generic name, such as oaks, willows, or pines. A tree species (both singular and plural) can be thought of as a specific kind of tree. A more technical definition of a species is organisms that are similar in anatomical form and structure that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring of the species. There are many different species of oaks, willows, and pines. What is the Best Name? A preferred common name for a tree, and its wood, would be one that included some reference to both its genus and its species. Examples are Quercus alba and Acer saccharum. Quercus is the genus for oaks, and alba is the Latin word for white.

The common name, white oak, describes the scientific name Quercus alba. Acer is the genus for maples, and saccharum is the Latin word for sweet or sugar. The common name, sugar maple, describes the scientific name Acer saccharum. However, white oak also describes a grouping of several species of oaks that can be separated by both tree and wood characteristics from another grouping of several species of oaks referred to as red or black oaks. Because nigra is Latin for dark or black, one would suspect Quercus nigra to be black oak, but that tree�s most used common name is water oak. Black oak�s scientific name is Quercus velutina. The Latin word velutum means velvety. Black oak leaves are exceedingly lustrous, dark green, and velvety. A better common name for this species might have been velvet-leaved oak or velvet oak. Again, black oaks or red oaks may also refer to a group of oaks that can be separated from the white oak group. This type of confusion is the reason scientists and others use scientific names when referring to different species of organisms.

Figure 1 illustrates how black walnut (Juglans nigra), a commercially important hardwood, is classified. Other trees in the world may have the common name black walnut, but only this tree is recognized with the scientific classification illustrated in Figure 1. For most practical purposes, common names, especially when used within one area or region, are sufficient to identify tree or wood species. But remember, there can be confusion when using common names to describe a tree or its wood. How Many Kinds of Trees? There are close to 10,000 identified species of trees on the earth. Of these, only about 500 are softwoods. It is estimated that hardwoods make up about twice the volume of softwoods in the world. There are more than 1,000 different species of trees in the United States. Of these, about 80 species are recognized as being commercially important for their wood. These are made up of about 30 softwoods and about 50 hardwoods. Although not commercially important for their wood, some trees have value as yard trees or ornamentals, for nut and other fruit production, or for the chemicals they produce.

For example, the bark of the Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia), a gymnosperm or softwood, has recently gained importance as a source for taxol, an anti-cancer chemical. An example of a popular ornamental yard tree is the ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), another gymnosperm. This tree is used extensively in the United States as an ornamental and has proven to be very resistant to insects, disease, pollution, and drought. For more information on classifying or identifying trees or woods, contact your county Cooperative Extension Agent, a Kentucky Division of Forestry forester or a specialist at the Department of Forestry at the University of Kentucky. Growing the Columnar English Oak - Quercus robur Updated December 09, 2016. Overview: Though it is native to three different continents, the English oak (Quercus robur) is a stately tree best known for being part of the forests and landscapes of England. It is a large species which is more commonly found in public settings like parks, though it can certainly be grown in larger home gardens if you have the space. This oak tree species may live for hundreds of years.

There are also columnar varieties available so you can have the look of an English oak in a much narrower space. Oak trees are classified into different groups within the genus. Quercus robur is considered to be part of the white oaks. This tree is also considered to be the type species , making it the best example of the oak tree genus. Latin Name: The scientific name assigned to this species is Quercus robur. Quercus is the Latin name for the oak tree. Robur means strong or robust, referring to the wood which is used in woodworking, lumber, and furniture. continue reading below our video Quick Tricks for Hanging Picture Frames Without a Level It belongs to the Fagaceae family, which also includes beeches (Fagus spp.), chinkapins (Castanopsis spp.), stone oaks (Lithocarpus spp.), and chestnuts (Castanea spp.) You may also see the Latin name of Quercus pedunculata in use. Common Names: This species is typically called English oak, though you may also see it as Slavonian oak, pedunculate oak, black oak, Sherwood forest tree, Sussex weed, truffle oak, Polish oak, or French oak.

Preferred USDA Hardiness Zones: This species is best suited for Zones 5-8. The tree can grow in sheltered spots in Zone 4, though freezes can be damaging or even deadly. It is native to Europe, northern Africa, and Asia. Size & Shape: The mature size for most trees will be 40-70' tall and wide, though in the wild it can be over 100' tall. In its early years, it has a pyramidal shape. Over time it will form into a round shape. Exposure: The site you choose for your English oak should offer full sun. Foliage/Flowers/Fruit: The green foliage is 2-5" long and features 3-7 rounded lobes. A characteristic that can be used to identify the species is that the petiole (connecting leaf stalk) is quite short. The leaves may turn brown in the autumn and may not fall off until winter. This tree is monoecious and it will bear male and female catkins that are shades of yellow-green. The fruit is an oval acorn that is 1" long.

A stem called a peduncle (the source of the name peduncle oak) is connected to the cupule (the cup at the top of the acorn) that attaches it to the branch. Design Tips: You will need an extra large yard if you wish to grow one of these oaks. It also is used in public gardens and parks. ‘Fastigiata’ and 'Skyrocket' are columnar varieties that spread up to 15' wide, making it possible for more people to plant Quercus robur in their landscape. You can also look for the Crimson Spire™ oak ('Crimschmidt'), which is a cross between the English oak and the white oak (Quercus alba). 'Pendula' has branches that create a weeping form. 'Filicifolia' and 'Dissecta' bear leaves with a lacy look as the lobes are deeply divided into many narrow sections. The leaves of 'Salicifolia' are similar in appearance to those of willow trees (Salix). This tree does not produce a decorative foliage display in the fall. Some varieties offer different foliage coloring during the growing season.

As the name suggests, 'Variegata' has leaves that are variegated with a cream color. 'Atropurpurea', 'Nigra' or 'Purpurea' have purple leaves. 'Concordia' offers golden-hued foliage. Growing Tips: Quercus robur is able to tolerate a range of soil pHs from acidic to alkaline. For optimal growth, find a location that has soil that stays moist but still provides good drainage. As with other oak tree species, it is not easy to transplant the English oak since they form a long tap root. The best option is to start an acorn at your planting site. Varieties are propagated through grafting to ensure that its distinguishing characteristics stay true. Maintenance/Pruning: The English oak does not grow very fast and usually will not need much, if any, pruning as it will naturally create a pleasing shape over the years. Proper maintenance should include the removal of any parts of the tree that have become dead, damaged or diseased to help the tree stay healthy. Pests & Diseases: This oak tree species is noted to be resistant to sudden oak death at this time.

Diseases include: Tree Species of the Quercus Genus, Names of Oak Trees Subgenus Quercus; Section Quercus; The white Oaks (synonym sect. Lepidobalanus or Leucobalanus). Europe, Asia, north Africa, North America. Styles short; acorns mature in 6 months, sweet or slightly bitter, inside of acorn shell hairless.

Quercus alba - White Oak - Eastern North America Quercus aliena - Oriental White Oak - Eastern Asia Quercus arizonica - Arizona White Oak - Δ Southwestern U.S., Northwestern Mexico Quercus austrina - Bluff Oak - Southeastern North America Quercus berberidifolia - California Scrub Oak - Δ California Quercus bicolor - Swamp White Oak - Eastern & Midwestern North America Quercus boyntonii - Boynton's Post Oak - South Central North America Quercus brantii - Persian Oak - Southwest Asia Quercus carmenensis - Carmen Oak - Coahuila and Texas Quercus chapmanii - Chapman Oak - Δ Southeastern North America Quercus chihuahuensis - Chihuahua Oak - Northern Mexico and Texas Quercus cornelius-mulleri - Muller Oak - Δ Southwestern North America Quercus copeyensis - Δ Costa Rica, Panama Quercus cubana - Δ Western Cuba Quercus dalechampii - Southeastern Europe Quercus depressipes - Davis Mountain Oak - Δ Texas Quercus deserticola - Δ Mexico Quercus dilatata - Moru Oak - Δ Himalayas Querc

us douglasii - Blue Oak - California Quercus dumosa - Coastal Scrub Oak - Δ Southern California Quercus durata - Leather Oak - Δ California Quercus engelmannii - Engelmann Oak - Δ Southwestern California Quercus faginea - Portuguese Oak - Δ Southwestern Europe Quercus furuhjelmi - Lived in Paleogene times Quercus fusiformis - Texas Live Oak or Plateau Live Oak - Δ South Central North America Quercus gambelii - Gambel Oak - Southwestern North America Quercus garryana - Oregon White Oak or Garry Oak - Western North America Quercus geminata - Sand Live Oak - Δ Southeastern North America Quercus glaucoides - Δ Mexico Quercus grisea - Gray Oak - Δ South Central North America Quercus havardii - Havard Oak, Shinnery Oak, Shin Oak - South Central North America Quercus hinckleyi - Hinckley Oak - Δ Texas, Northwestern Mexico Quercus hondurensis - Honduras Oak - Δ Honduras Quercus ilex - Holly Oak or Holm Oak - Δ Southern Europe, Northwestern Africa Quercus insignis - Mexico,

 Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama Quercus intricata - Coahuila Scrub Oak - Δ two isolated localities in west Texas, Northern Mexico Quercus john-tuckeri - Tucker's Oak - Δ Southwestern North America Quercus laceyi - Lacey Oak - Edwards Plateau of Texas, Northern Mexico Quercus lanata - Woolly-leaved Oak - Δ Himalayas Quercus leucotrichophora - Banj Oak - Δ Himalayas Quercus lobata - Valley Oak or California White Oak - California Quercus lusitanica - Gall Oak or Lusitanian Oak - Iberia, North Africa Quercus lyrata - Overcup Oak - Eastern North America Quercus macrocarpa - Bur Oak - Eastern and Central North America Quercus mohriana - Mohr Oak - Δ Southwestern North America Quercus michauxii - Swamp Chestnut Oak - Eastern North America Quercus minima - Dwarf Live Oak - Δ Southeastern North America Quercus mongolica - Mongolian Oak - Eastern Asia Quercus muehlenbergii - Chinkapin Oak - Eastern, central, and Southwestern US (West Texas and New Mexico), Northern Mexico Qu

ercus nigra - Water Oak - South Eastern U.S.

Quercus oblongifolia - Mexican Blue Oak - Δ Southwestern U.S., Northwestern Mexico Quercus oglethorpensis - Oglethorpe Oak - Southeastern North America Quercus oleoides - Δ from Costa Rica into Mexico Quercus peduncularis - Δ Central America Quercus petraea - Sessile Oak - Europe, Anatolia Quercus polymorpha - Monterrey Oak, Mexican White Oak - Δ Mexico and extreme S.

Texas Quercus prinoides - Dwarf Chinkapin Oak - Eastern North America Quercus prinus - Chestnut Oak - Eastern North America (= Quercus montana) Quercus pubescens - Downy Oak - Europe, Anatolia Quercus pungens - Sandpaper Oak - Δ South Central North America Quercus robur - Pedunculate Oak or English Oak - Europe, West Asia Quercus rugosa - Netleaf Oak - Δ Southwestern U.S., Northwestern Mexico Quercus sadleriana - Deer Oak - Δ Southwest Oregon, Northern California Quercus stellata - Post Oak - Eastern North America Quercus toumeyi - Toumey Oak - Δ Southwest New Mexico, Southeastern Arizona, Northern Mexico Quercus turbinella - Shrub Live Oak or Scrub Live Oak - Δ Southwestern North America Quercus vaseyana - Vasey Oak - Δ Southwestern North America Quercus virginiana - Southern Live Oak - Δ Southeastern North America Section Mesobalanus; Europe, Asia, north Africa. Styles long; acorns mature in 6 months, bitter, inside of acorn shell hairless (closely related to sect.

Quercus and sometimes included in it). Quercus canariensis - Mirbeck's Oak or Algerian Oak - Δ North Africa & Spain Quercus dentata - Daimyo Oak - Eastern Asia Quercus frainetto - Hungarian Oak or Italian Oak - Southeastern Europe Quercus macranthera - Caucasian Oak or Persian Oak - Western Asia Quercus pontica - Armenian Oak - Western Asia Quercus pyrenaica - Pyrenean Oak - Southwestern Europe Quercus vulcanica - Kasnak Oak - Southwestern Asia Section Cerris; Europe, Asia, north Africa. Styles long; acorns mature in 18 months, very bitter, inside of acorn shell hairless or slightly hairy.

Quercus acutissima - Sawtooth Oak - Eastern Asia Quercus alnifolia - Golden Oak - Δ Cyprus Quercus calliprinos - Palestine Oak - Δ Southwestern Asia Quercus castaneifolia - Chestnut-leaved Oak - Caucasus, Iran (Persia) Quercus cerris - Turkey Oak - Southern Europe, Southwestern Asia Quercus coccifera - Kermes Oak - Δ Southern Europe Quercus infectoria - Aleppo Oak, Cyprus Oak - Southern Europe, Southwestern Asia Quercus libani - Lebanon Oak - Southwestern Asia Quercus macrolepis - Vallonea Oak - Δ Southwestern Asia Quercus semecarpifolia - Brown Oak or Kharshu Oak - Δ Himalayas Quercus suber - Cork Oak - Δ Southwestern Europe, Northwestern Africa Quercus trojana - Macedonian Oak - Δ Southeastern Europe Quercus variabilis - Chinese Cork Oak - Eastern Asia Section Protobalanus; The intermediate Oaks. Southwest USA & Northwest Mexico. Styles short, acorns mature in 18 months, very bitter, inside of acorn shell woolly.

Quercus cedrosensis - Cedros Island Oak - Δ Baja California Quercus chrysolepis - Canyon Live Oak - Δ Southwestern North America Quercus palmeri - Palmer Oak - Δ Southwest Oregon, California, Western Arizona Quercus tomentella - Island Oak - Δ California offshore islands Quercus vaccinifolia - Huckleberry Oak - Δ Southwestern North America Section Lobatae; The red Oaks (synonym sect. Erythrobalanus). North, Central and South America. Styles long, acorns mature in 18 months, very bitter, inside of acorn shell woolly.

Quercus acerifolia - Maple-leaved Oak or Mapleleaf Oak - South Central North America Quercus agrifolia - Coast Live Oak - Δ California, Northern Baja California Quercus arkansana - Arkansas Oak - Southeastern North America Quercus buckleyi - Texas Red Oak - Southwestern North America Quercus canbyi - Canby Oak or Mexican Red Oak - Δ Mexico Quercus castanea - Δ Mexico Quercus coccinea - Scarlet Oak - Eastern North America Quercus costaricensis - Δ Costa Rica, Panama Quercus cualensis - Δ Mexico (Sierra Madre del Sur) Quercus depressa - Mexico Quercus ellipsoidalis - Northern Pin Oak - Eastern North America Quercus emoryi - Emory Oak - Δ Southwestern U.S., Northern Mexico Quercus falcata - Southern Red Oak or Spanish Oak - Southeastern North America Quercus gravesii - Chisos Red Oak or Graves Oak - Mexico, Southwestern North America (Texas) Quercus graciliformis - Chisos Oak - Δ Extreme SW North America Quercus georgiana - Georgia Oak - Southeastern North America Quercus hintoniorum -

 Δ Mexico Quercus humboldtii - Andean Oak - Δ Northern South America (Colombia) Quercus hypoleucoides - Silverleaf Oak - Δ Southwestern North America Quercus hypoxantha - Δ Mexico Quercus ilicifolia - Bear Oak - Eastern North America Quercus iltisii - Δ Southern Mexico Quercus imbricaria - Shingle Oak - Eastern North America Quercus incana - Bluejack Oak - Southeastern North America Quercus inopina - Sandhill Oak - Δ Southeastern North America Quercus kelloggii - California Black Oak - California, Southwest Oregon Quercus laevis - Turkey Oak - Southeastern North America Quercus laurifolia - Laurel Oak - Δ Southeastern North America Quercus laurina - Δ Mexico Quercus marilandica - Blackjack Oak - Eastern North America Quercus myrtifolia - Myrtle Oak - Δ Southeastern North America Quercus nigra - Water Oak - Δ Eastern North America Quercus pagoda – Cherrybark Oak - Southeastern North America Quercus palustris - Pin Oak - Eastern North America Quercus parvula - Santa Cruz Island Scr

ub Oak - Δ Santa Cruz Island California Quercus phellos - Willow Oak - Eastern North America Quercus pumila - Runner Oak - Δ Southeastern North America Quercus rapurahuensis - Talamanca Oak - Δ Costa Rica, Panama Quercus rhysophylla - Loquat-leaf Oak - Δ Mexico Quercus rubra - Northern Red Oak - Eastern North America Quercus salicifolia - Δ Mexico Quercus sapotifolia - Δ Southern Mexico, Central America Quercus shumardii - Shumard Oak - Eastern North America Quercus tardifolia - Lateleaf Oak - Δ two small clumps in Chisos Mountains of Texas Quercus texana - Nuttall's Oak - South Central North America (Lower Mississippi River Valley) Quercus velutina - Black Oak or Eastern Black Oak or Dyer's Oak - Eastern North America Quercus wislizeni - Interior Live Oak - Δ California Quercus xalapensis - Mexico Subgenus Cyclobalanopsis; The ring-cupped Oaks (synonym genus Cyclobalanopsis).

Eastern and Southeastern Asia. They are distinct from subgenus Quercus in that they have acorns with distinctive cups bearing concrescent rings of scales; they commonly also have densely clustered acorns, though this does not apply to all of the species. About 150 species. Selected species Quercus acuta - Japanese Evergreen Oak. Δ Japan, Korea. Quercus albicaulis - Δ China. Quercus argentata - Δ Malaysia, Indonesia. Quercus argyrotricha - Δ Guizhou (China). Quercus augustinii - Δ China, Vietnam. Quercus austrocochinchinensis - Δ China, Vietnam, Thailand. Quercus austroglauca - Δ China. Quercus blakei - Δ China, Vietnam, Laos. Quercus camusiae - Δ China, Vietnam. Quercus championii - Δ China, Taiwan. Quercus chapensis - Δ China, Vietnam. Quercus chevalieri - Δ China, Vietnam. Quercus chingsiensis - Δ China. What is a Scientific Name? What is a Scientific Name? What is a Scientific Name?

Contact Information When scientists discover a new plant or animal they give it a name. In fact, scientists give each plant or animal, two names. This naming system was developed by a famous biologist called Carolus Linnaeus. The first name, called the genus, indicates that the plant or animal is closely related to others with the same name. For example, oak trees belong to the genus Quercus. The black oak, white oak and red oak all belong to the genus Quercus. What other trees do you know belong to the genus Quercus? The second name that scientists give to plants and animals is called the species. This name separates the white oaks from the red oaks and the red oaks from the willow oaks. Here are the common and scientific names for these three oak trees: Common name Red oak Quercus rubra Common names may vary from one place to another. Scientific names do not. For example, the red oak is sometimes called the northern red oak, sometimes just red oak. In science it is always called Quercus rubra. The genus name always starts with a capital letter and the species name with a lower case letter. For example: Dogs and wolves belong to the genus Canis.

Your pet cat belongs to the genus Felis, pumas to the genus Puma and jaguars, lions and leopards belong to the genus Panthera. Here are some scientific names of these animals: Common name Panthera pardus Things to do Go to the Missouri Botanical Garden and see if you find the common names and scientific names of plants. See if you can find some that belong to the same genus. Do these plants look like each other? Can you see why the scientists, called botanists, may have placed them in the same genus? Go to the Saint Louis Zoo and see if you find the common names and scientific names of animals. See if you can find some that belong to the same genus. Do these animals look like each other? Can you see why scientists, called zoologists, may have placed them in the same genus? Carolus Linnaeus The scientific system of naming living things was developed by a famous biologist who lived in Sweden from 1707-1778. He wanted to give all the plants and animals on earth a scientific name. He sent his students and helpers all over the world seeking new plants and animals to name.

While he did name many of these plants and animals and while we still use his names today, he did not succeed in naming all plants and animals. In fact, we still have not been able to do this. We now have scientific names for about 1 to 2 million plants and animals. Scientists believe that there may be as many as 30 million species on earth so we still have a lot of work to do. Related Links Northern Red Oak, Quercus rubra Northern Red Oak Photo courtesy Wisconsin State Herbarium and Kenneth J. Sytsma Flora, fauna, earth, and sky... The natural history of the northwoods Name: Quercus, the Latin for Oak rubra, from the Latin, ruber, "red" Common name from the reddish color of the wood.

Other common names include Chêne Rouge (Qué) Taxonomy: Division Magnoliophyta, the Angiosperms (flowering plants) Class Magnoliopsida, the Dicotyledons Taxonomic Serial Number: 19408 Also known as Quercus borealis, Quercus maxima A member of the Red Oak subgroup, it hybridizes with related species, including Northern Pin Oak ( Quercus ellipsoidalis ). Description: Identification: Distribution: Southern Ontario to the Gaspé, south to Minnesota, Iowa, eastern Kansas and Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. At the northern limits of its range in the North Woods. Habitat: Northern red oak grows on a variety of dry-mesic to mesic sites. It occurs in rich, mesic woods, on sandy plains, rock outcrops, stable interdunes, and at the outer edges of floodplains. Northern red oak is most common on north- and east-facing slopes. It typically grows on lower and middle slopes, in coves, ravines, and on valley floors.

Overstory associates of northern red oak are numerous and include in our region, eastern white pine ( Pinus strobus ), sugar maple, red maple ( Acer rubrum ), black cherry (Prunus serotina), American basswood (Tilia americana), green ash ( Fraxinus pennsylvanica ), aspen ( Populus tremuloides ), jack pine ( Pinus banksiana ), eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), and elm (Ulmus americana). serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) are frequent small tree associates. Common understory shrubs and vines include blueberries (Vaccinium spp.), beaked hazel ( Corylus cornuta ), poison-ivy ( Toxicodendron radicans ), grape (Vitis spp.) Fire: Northern red oak is well adapted to periodic fires. Older, larger individuals often survive fire and young, small trees typically resprout vigorously from the stump or root collar. Postfire seedling establishment has also been reported. Fire is integrally associated with oak forests. Many researchers maintain that recurrent fires are the key to oak dominance in some areas. As a result of increased fire suppression, oak forests have been replaced by mesic sugar maple communities.

Declines of oak forests have been noted throughout much of the East and are often attributed to reduced fire frequency. Historic fire frequencies of approximately 22 years have been reported for maple-basswood forests of Minnesota, in which northern red oak occurs as a dominant. Northern red oak occurred on relatively mesic sites in presettlement oak savannas of the Upper Midwest. In the absence of recurrent fires, these savannas are replaced by closed mixed mesophytic forests within 20 to 40 years. Northern red oak is apparently more susceptible to fire than many other species of oak. The tight, solid bark is typically more seriously damaged than the rough, corky bark of species such as white oak [55]. Mortality is higher for smaller northern red than for larger trees. Large trees can survive bark scorch on up to 66 percent of their circumference. However, severe wildfires occasionally kill pole and even sawtimber-sized individuals. Pole-sized and larger northern red oaks typically survive prescribed fires which top-kill the plants. Seedlings may be killed by such fires, but root collars or belowground regenerative structures often survive even when plants are top-killed. Most acorns are characterized by a relatively high moisture content.

As the moisture within the acorns is heated, the seeds swell and often rupture. Therefore, few acorns present on-site survive fire. Oaks tend to be less susceptible to fire during the dormant season. Individuals of poor vigor are less likely to heal following fire-induced injury than are healthy vigorous specimens. Oaks growing in overstocked stands typically exhibit lower vigor and are more susceptible to fire-caused damage. Crooked or leaning trees are particularly susceptible to damage since the flames are more likely to be directly below the stem, thereby increasing the amount of heat received by the bark's surface. Mortality or serious injury increases with greater fire severity. Mortality of seedlings may be correlated with temperatures near the root collars. Northern red oak is generally more severely fire-scarred than many other oaks. When basal cambial tissue is seriously damaged by fire, injuries often permit the entry of insects or decay that may ultimately kill the tree. Toole reported that by the 2d year after fire, 60 percent of wounded northern red oaks was infested by insects. Heart rot spread to 2.5 times the height of the bark discoloration within 7 years of the fire.

Heart rot progressed more slowly where the original fire scar represented less than 20 percent of the tree's circumference and more rapidly where the fire scar was more extensive. Rouse [98] estimated that rot traveled up the bole of a fire-damaged tree at 1.25 feet (0.4 m) per decade. Young northern red oaks commonly sprout vigorously from the stumps or root collar after aboveground portions of the plant are killed by fire. Stem density is often increased as fire promotes sprouting and reduces competition. Frequent fire can produce oak scrublands. Large oaks that survive fire frequently serve as seed sources. Dying trees often produce a massive seed crop. Acorns often germinate well on mineral soil, and establishment may actually be favored in burned areas. Rouse reported that most large oaks are "capable of minimizing fire-caused losses due to damaged cambium by rerouting the functions of fire-killed portions within weeks after a fire." Seedlings, saplings, and pole-sized individuals commonly sprout if girdled by fire. Damaged seedlings can often resprout several times and may ultimately grow beyond the fire-susceptible stage. Sprouting ability appears to decrease as plants age.

Large trees much less likely to sprout if severely damaged by fire. Associates: Birds: Acorns of the northern red oak are an important food source the bobwhite, red-headed woodpecker, red-bellied woodpecker, blue jay, tufted titmouse, grackle, white-breasted nuthatch, sapsuckers, quail, ruffed grouse, and other birds. They represent a particularly important food source for the wild turkey. A single turkey can consume more than 221 acorns at a "single meal" [95]. Other birds that feed on acorns include the ruffed grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, ring-necked pheasant, wild turkey, eastern crow, northern flicker, grackle, blue jay, brown thrasher, tufted titmouse, starling, lesser prairie chicken, chickadees, nuthatches, and other songbirds. Acorns are also important food sources for various waterfowl such as the golden-eye, gadwall, wood duck, hooded merganser, mallard, American pintail, black duck, redhead, and green-winged teal.

Sprouted acorns are readily eaten by deer, mice, and the northern bobwhite. Browse: White-tailed deer commonly browse leaves and young seedlings. Elk, hares, cottontail rabbits, and moose also feed on northern red oak browse. Acorns: Mammals - The white-footed mouse, eastern chipmunk, fox squirrel, gray squirrel, red squirrel, white-tailed deer, flying squirrels, and deer mice consume northern red oak acorns. Acorns of the northern red oak are a preferred fall and winter food of the gray squirrel. Acorns are an important fall food source for the black bear. The abundance of fall mast crops can affect black bear reproductive success during the following year. History: During the last Ice Age retreated with other hardwoods to the relative shelter of the lower Mississippi Valley but appears to have maintained itself in isolated pockets within the White Spruce forest to the north, allowing it to become one of the first hardwoods to move north as the ice sheets melted. In this effort it was greatly assisted by the acorn spreading capabilities of the Blue Jay. First cultivated in 1724, it is a popular ornamental shade tree in eastern North America and parts of Europe.

Uses: Red oak is very similar in many ways to white oak. A major difference is the red is very porous. It is a heavy wood and averages 44 pounds a cubic foot. It has a specific gravity ranging from .52 to .60. Red oak is considered by many to be the most beautiful of the oak families. The wood has an attractive amber color with a reddish tinge. It requires the same finishing techniques as white oak. Northern red oak is an important source of hardwood lumber. Its wood is heavy, hard, strong, coarse-grained, and at least moderately durable. When properly dried and treated, oak wood glues well, machines very well, and accepts a variety of finishes. The wood of northern red oak has been used to make railroad ties, fenceposts, veneer, furniture, cabinets, paneling, flooring, caskets, and pulpwood. Northern red oak has a high fuel value and is an excellent firewood.

Reproduction: Hardy to USDA Zone 3 (average minimum annual temperature -40ºF) Cultural Requirements Fertile, sandy, finely-textured soils with good drainage, pH 4.3 - 6.5 Dry to medium moisture Size 40'-80'W x 75'H Northern red oak is commonly planted as a landscape tree in eastern North America and Europe -- used as a shade tree on lawns, parks, campuses, golf courses, etc, where space is sufficient. It is fast growing, easy to transplant, tolerant of urban conditions (including dry and acidic soil and air pollution), the abundant nuts attract wildlife, and the leaves develop a brick-red fall color. Generally a durable and long-lived tree. Susceptible to oak wilt which is a systemic fungal disease that has no cure. Chlorosis (yellowing of the leaves while the veins remain green) often occurs when soils are not sufficiently acidic. Beaver Creek Nursery Quercus alba White Oak (tree) Pyramidal when young, wide spreading branches in maturity. One of the most handsome oaks, beautiful in structure year around. Zones 3b to 9.

Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak (tree) Beautiful, native tree with lustrous, heavily textured green leaves with white pubescent undersides. Good, natural fibrous root system lends this oak to easier transplant... Quercus ellipsoidalis Northern Pin Oak (tree) Northern Midwest version of Quercus palustris. Does not have the problem with chlorosis that Q. palustris does. Spectacular red fall color. Quercus imbricaria Shingle Oak (tree) Lustrous green summer foliage becomes yellow to russet-red in fall. Pyramidal and upright outline when young becoming broad, rounded oak as it ages. Quercus macrocarpa Bur Oak (tree) Native tree for our prairies and oak savannahs. Bold, luxurious foliage. More tolerant of city conditions than most oaks. Quercus muehlenbergii Chinkapin Oak (tree) Medium sized oak with sharp-toothed dark green leaves. No disease problems. One of the better oaks for alkaline soils.

Quercus robur 'Fastigiata' x bicolor Regal Prince®('Long') (tree) Earl Cully introduction with columnar, narrow oval habit and striking dark green foliage. Highly resistant to borers, and powdery mildew. One of the more adaptable and co... Crimson SpireTM ('Crimschmidt')PP 9103 (tree) Upright oval habit, reddish purple leaves in fall. A robust hybrid. Quercus robur x macrocarpa Heritage®('Clemons') (tree) An Earl Cully introduction with outstanding vigor and form. Maintains good central leader to top of the crown. Leathery dark green tatter-proof leaves. Highly mildew resi... Quercus rubra Red Oak (tree) Excellent wide leafed Oak with thick shiny summer foliage and robust red fall colors. Transplants well. Fast growing. Good street tree.

Question: What sort of trees belong to the genus 'quercus'?
Answer: Oaks